Meet Maximos, a 4-year old Cocker Spaniel mix. He presented to Miami Veterinary Specialists for a series of vomiting episodes and bloody diarrhea. Maximos has a history of stress-related colitis. Canine colitis is the inflammation of the large intestine colon which causes vomiting and occasional episodes of bloody diarrhea.

According to his owner, he might have gotten himself into the garbage about a week ago. Ever since the incident, Maximos started having bloody diarrhea and vomited for three continous days. His owner also mentioned that she got sick that same week and was wondering if all of this could be stress related.
With the help of Dr. Rebecca Aldoretta, he was seen by Dr. Laura D’Amico. She carefully went over the different options available with Maximos’ owner. In order to have a closer look to what might be causing Maximo’s complications, they performed bloodwork tests, an abdominal ultrasound and took his abdominal radiographs. The radiographs and ultrasound clearly showed a large amount of gas in his large intestine with no evidence of obstruction and with a possible thickened stomach wall.
Based on his results it was very likely that he was experiencing gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis occurs when the stomach and intestines get inflamed because of bacteria, viruses, or food reactions. Their recommendation was to put Maximos under fluid therapy and supportive care for at least 12 hours. 
After being cared by our MVS staff, Maximos became stable and was able to go back home. He is currently under medication and on a new and lighter diet. Feel better Maximos!